Man admits to dismembering body in gruesome murder
A man accused of dismembering a body, placing the remains in a suitcase, and disposing of it at sea confessed to the crime during police questioning, a court was told on Monday. Andres Leonardo Gamboa Duran revealed that he knew the victim, identified as ‘Raoul’, a Colombian drug courier, and claimed to have discovered him dead in his Msida apartment. During the court hearing, the victim was publicly identified for the first time as Raoul Eduardo Rei. Duran stated that he “panicked,” destroyed Raoul’s passport and other documents, purchased an axe and a suitcase in San Ġwann, and proceeded to dismember the body. (Times of Malta)
Progressive centre-left party set to launch in January – reports
Partit Malta Progressiva (PMP), a new centre-left political party set to launch next year, is expected to attract former MEPs, candidates, executive members, and councillors, MaltaToday reports. Among those working behind the scenes are former Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer and Silvan Agius, a former cabinet expert in Helena Dalli’s European Commission team and a 2013 Alternattiva Demokratika candidate. Sources quoted in the report indicate that individuals from various political backgrounds are poised to join PMP, including a former Labour councillor, a former Nationalist candidate, and a past member of ADPD’s executive. The party’s committee is expected to be publicly unveiled in January 2025, with its statute already finalised. (Maltatoday)
Cold, wind forecasted for Christmas
Cold and windy weather is forecast for Christmas Day, with strong north-northwest winds (Force 6 to 7) persisting through much of the day before easing in the evening. Temperatures are expected to peak at 14°C and drop to 7°C at night, with showers and cloudy skies likely. On Christmas Eve, similar conditions are anticipated, with strong northwest winds, a high of 14°C, and a low of 8°C. The wind chill may make temperatures feel colder, and hail is also possible. (The Malta Independent)
